Can-delivering and cover-applying mechanism



J n 24, 1930- H. D. LATHROP ET AL v 1,765,594

\ V CAN DELIVERING AND COVER APPLYING MECHANISM Filed July 16, 1928 Y "7 Sheets-Sheet 2 June'24, 1930. H. D. LATHROP El AL I 1,765,594

CAN DELIVERING AND COVER APPLYI ING MECHANISM Filed July 16, 1928 7 Sheets-Sh'ee t s June 24, 1930. v LATHRQP ET AL 1,765,594

CAN DELIVERING AND COVER APPLYING MECHANISM Filed July 16', 1928 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 fly 6 7 find 7a Phi/165.965

June 24, 1936.

D. LATHRIOPIET AL CAN DELIVERING AND COVER APPL YING MECHNISM Filed July 16, 1928 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 24, 1930. H. D. LATHROP E AL 1,765,594

CAN DELIVERING AND COVER APPLYING MECHANISM Filed July 16, 1928 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Izaak/12m, {1 71 L 2% 1 fiQ/vgfl a rap,

June 24, 1930. LATHROP ET'AL 1,765,5Q4

CAN DELIVERING AND COVER APPLYING MECHANISM Filed July 1 1928 7 Shees=-Sheet '7 wibrgj es: I

Patented June 24, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE HARRY D. LATHRQP AND WALTER H. PAULSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS; SAID PAULSON ASSIGNOR '10 SAID LATHROP CAN-DELIVERING AND COVER-APPLYING MECHANISM Application filed July 16, 1928. Serial No. 293,078.

sion of improved mechanism for successively reversing cans from an inverted to an upright position and maintaining each milk can in proper position at, the delivery end of the machine for application of a cover thereon; improved mechanism for applying milk can covers upon successive cans; and

. improved means for discharging a can with a cover applied thereon from of the machine.

The invention has fora further object the application of covers upon milk cansat the delivery end of a can Washing machine with increased accuracy and more positive and-uniform operation than heretofore obtained.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

v The invention consists in the combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter'described and claimed.

The invention will be best'understood by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view taken at the delivery end of a can washing machine, at the right hand side of the machine looking toward the delivery end showing the can reversing, cover applying and can discharging mechanism of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the delivery end of a milk can washing machine embodying the present invention with the can revers ing and cover applying mechanlsm omitted to more clearly illustrate the actuating mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of certain actuating mechanism including the can cradle reversing rack; the cover elevating. rack; and the rods which actuate the can retaining and discharging mechanism;

the delivery end Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line 44 of Fig.1; v

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 55 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line 66 of Fig. 1 showing the can reversing cradle and the cover elevating mechanism;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 77 of Fig. 6 and showing the can reversing and cover elevating rack memhers at the rear-most limit of their reciprocatory movement;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged elevational view taken at the opposite side of the machine to that shown in Fig. 7, with the cover elevating chain housing shown in section to more clearly illustrate the operative mechanism, and showing the can reversing and cover elevating rack members at the forward limit of their reciprocatory movement in position to receive an inverted can preparatory to the reversing operation;

Fig. 9 is a detailed elevational view of the I mechanism for delivering a cover to the cover elevating device;

Fig. 10 is a horizontal sectional view of the cover elevating mechanism taken on the line 1010 of Fig. 9 with the cover omitted.

The present invention is preferably associated with a can washingv machine having a frame composed of upright members 12 and 13 and cross members 14 and 15 (see Fig. 4.) A sufiicient number of these frame members are provided and are connected by longitudinally extending bracing members 16 and 17. Suitably supported upon the cross members 15 are two spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending track members 18 and 19 upon which the cans are adapted to slide in an inverted position as they are propelled through the machine and successively subjected to cleansing, sterilizing and drying operations. Preferably disposed at one side of the can supporting rails 18 and 19 and parallel thereto is a stationary channel-shaped cover guide rail 20 within which an edge of the covers is, adapted to ride as the covers are successively propelled through the machine and subjected to cleansing and drying operation. Extending longitudinally of the machine slightly above and to one side of rail 18 is a guide rail 21 supported by a bracket 22 upon each of theuprights 12, and a similar guide rail 23 is disposed above and slightly to one side of supporting rail 1'9, guide rail 23 being supported by downwardly extending arms 24'secured to brackets 25 supported upon uprights l3. Similarly disposed longitudinally of the machine is a cover guide rail 26 supported by brackets 27. Thus rails 21 and 23 serve to prevent the cans designated by the letter A from tipping to either side as they are advanced through the machine, and similarly the covers B are supported and guided through the machine by rails 23 and 26.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the cans A are adapted to be moved through the machine in a step by step or intermittent motion which is imparted by suitably spaced trip fingers or pawls 30 pivotally mounted within channel shaped reciprocatory bars 31 and 32 which travel upon rollers 33 and 34, respectively. Similarly, a reciprocatory cover advancing bar 35 is adapted to travel upon rollers 36 and is provided at spaced intervals with cover engaging trip fingers 37. Bars 28, 29 and 35 are preferably secured together as by means of cross member 38 whereby they oscillate in unison and each can is advanced by a pair of the pawls 30 during the forward movement of bars 28 and 29. During the reverse movement the pawls are tripped out of engagement and slide beneath the cover of the next succeeding can in position to engage said can during the following advance movement, and a similar operation takes place upon the covers-B by means of v the trip fingers 37.

Extending beneath the can supporting rails is a connecting member 39 divided at one end into a forked portion having forks 40 and 41, the ends of which are turned upwardly and are bolted to bars 28 and 29 res ectively. The opposite end of member 39 orms an upper toothed rack 42 supported by roller 43 mounted upon cross piece 44 and projecting downwardlyare arms 45 and 46 having slots 47 and 48 respectively within which bolts 49 and 50 are adapted to support a second toothed rack 51.

For reversing the cans from an inverted to an upright position a reversing cradle 52 is pivotally mounted at 53 in oppositely disposed bearings supported by brackets 54 and 55 mounted upon the frame work of they machine. Reversing cradle 52 preferably comprises two semi-cylindrical portions 56 and 57 provided at one end with strips of rubber or other composition 58 and 59 to prevent slippage of a can following the initial engagement by the cradle, and cradle 52 is also provided with two parallel plate members 60 and 61 between which are .disposedin the arc of a circle with pivot 53 as a center, a plurality of rods 62 which are adapted to mesh with the teeth 63 upon rack 42 during the reciprocation thereof. Reciprocatory motion to bars 28, 29 and 35, and consequently racks 42 and 51, is preferably imparted by suitable power means located adjacent the can receiving end of themachine and the length of each reciprocating motion is such that cradle 52 assumes the position shown in Fig. 8 at the forward limit of travel, and the position shown in Figs. 1 and 7 at the reverse limit of travel. Coincident with this travel the cans and covers are advanced by means of the trip pawls 30 and 37 in such manner that a can is in position for engagement by the cradle during each reversing motion thereof and likewise a cover is in position for deposit upon .each discharged can as hereinafter explained. For the purpose of maintaining a can in position during the reversing operation,.cradle 52 is provided with a ledge 64 adapted .to engage the bottom of a can.

J ournaled in bearings 65 and 66, suitably supported by brackets 67 and 68, respectively, is a shaft 69 upon which is keyed pinion 70 adapted to mesh with tooth 71 of rack 51. To serve as a guide, for the purpose of maintaining rack 51 in alignment and in engagement with pinion 70, a hanging bracket 72 carries bearings 73 and 74 'within which shaft 69 rotates. Secured to one end of shaft 69 are sprockets 75 and 76 mounted upon a common hub member 77 and adapted to propel vertical traveling conveyor chains 78 and 79 respectively, the upper runs of which travel over a corresponding pair of sprockets 80 and 81 integral with hub member 82 loosely mounted for rotation upon transversally extending shaft 83 suitably jour-' naled upon vertically extending frame members 84 and 85. A cover elevating platform 5 86 is pivotally mounted adjacent one edge thereof to the conveyor chains 78 and 79, the opposite edge being curved upwardly as mounted upon platform 86' and are adapted to travel between vertical guide weights 90 as shown in Fig. 10 and platform 86 has a depending portion 91 at the lower edge of which are rollers 92 likewise adapted to travel between corresponding guides 90.

As shown in Fig. 8 rack 51 is at the advance limit of its travel in which position platform 86 is disposed at the lowermost limit of its vertical travelin position to receive a cover to be elevated. At the limit of the reverse movement of rack 51, plat form 86 is tiltedupwardly as shown in Fig. 7 by reasonof the pivotal connection to chains 78 and 79 being carried a short distance around upper sprockets 80 and 81, and

, momentary position of the cover B at the point where platform 86 has reached the upper limit of its vertical reciprocatory travel.

, The tilting of platform 86 causes the cover to roll against a curved guiding horn 94 which tips the cover with its top uppermost into contact with inclined support 95 upon which the cover slides into contact with stop plate 96 as shown in Fig. 6. Plate 96 is secured to L-shaped. member 97 pivotally mounted to the frame of the machine at 98 and provided at its lower extremity witha shoe 99 provided with counterweight 100 and pivotally mounted upon member 97 at 101. Shoe 99 is adapted to be engaged by a projection 102 on cradle 52 whereby when projection 102 engages shoe 99 as cradle 52 swings in a clock wise direction as shown in Fig. 7, plate 96 is raised out of engagement with a can cover upon the support 95, and the reverse engagement of projection 102 merely causes shoe 99 to swing on pivot 101. Pivotally mounted upon shaft 103 is a cover chute 104, supported between can delivering operations by vertically adjustable arm 104, the forward portion of-chute 104 being inclined downwardly and adapted to rest upon the top of a can immediately following delivery from cradle 52, the oppo site end being provided with a counterweight 105. Similarly mounted upon shaft 106 is a cover detaining plate 107 having a counterweight 108. Chute 104 and plate 107 cooperate to guide and apply a cover' upon a can immediately following delivery of the can upon discharge platform 109 by the reversing cradle 52 as hereinafter explained.

Referring to Fig. 9, preferably depressions similar to depression 110 are provided along the cover supporting rails within which the covers are adapted to rest between advancing motionsof the reciprocating bar 35. Each cover advancing finger 37 is restricted to movement in one direction by pin 111 and the final tripping finger 112 is adapted to contact with a stationary shoe 113 at the forward limit of travel whereby to increase the speed of travel of the cover and insure that it will roll down inclined rail 114 on to platform 86, guide rails 115 and 116 being disposed above rail 114 to maintain the cover in an upright position. Also disposed slightly in advance of each depression 110 and pivotallymounted to the stationary cover guide rail is a gravity held pawl 110 adaptedto restrict the forward movement of the cover between reciprocating operations, and similarly gravity held pawl is pivotally mounted. upon can supporting rail 18 to prevent retrograde movement of the successive cans. Also, plate 117 which is secured to the frame of the machine is provided with an inverted V-sliaped portion 118 against which a can top contacts-immediately preceding engagement of the can by the reversing cradle 52.

For the purpose of detaining a can upon delivery platform 109 immediately in advance of a cover applying operation and to discharge the can therefrom after the cover has been applied,- plate 119 which is secured to connecting member 39 and consequently 1 reciprocates with bars 28 and 29, 1s provided with cylindrical sleeve openings adapted to slidably engage rods 120 and 121 between the limits of adjusting nuts 122 and 123. The forward ends of rods 120 and 121 are connected to links 122 and 123 respectively, which in turn are pivotally connected to operating arms 124 and 125, respectively. Operating arms 124 and 125 are secured to vertically disposed rock shafts 126 and 127, respectively, each journaled upon the frame of the machine, and fixedly secured to shafts 126 and 127 are can engaging detaining arms 128 and 129, respectively, and also can engaging discharge arms 130 and 131, respectively. In the reciprocation, of connecting member 39 a lost motion occurs in the movement of plate 119 between adjusting nuts 122 and 123, but when the reciprocating members are at the rearmost limit of their travel, can detaining arms 128 and 129 are in the position shown in Fig. 2, and they remain in this position during the initial portion of the return empty oscillation of cradle 52, but before the reverse return rotation of cradle 52 has. been completed, plate 119 engages nuts 123 and causes discharge arms 130 and 131 to engage the can and slide it from platform 109 over roller 132 and on to a gravity roller conveyor, not shown, which is generally provided at the discharge end of' machines of this type. During the can reversing rotation of cradle 52, a' similar period of lost motion between plate 119 and rods'120 and 121 occurs, but before cradle 52 has reached a can discharg- .ing position shown in Fig. 1, can detaining arms 128 and 129 have been brought to the position shown in Fig. 2 for engagement with the next succeeding can. Preferably disposed adjacent the delivery platform 109 I are a'pair of bars 149 and 150 secured to the frame of the machine, which are adapted to serve as supplementary can guides during the delivery operation.

Improved mechanism for ejecting a can from reversing cradle 52 at'the conclusion ofthe reversing rotation thereof is advantageously employed in combination with other elements of the present invention.

This can ejecting mechanism constitutes'the sole invention of Walter H. Paulson, one of the joint inventors in the present application, and is therefore the subject'matter of a separate application filed by said Walter H. Paulson as sole inventor. Said can ejecting mechanism is included in the present application solely as a mechanical element in combination with the other features of the present invention, and comprises curved arms 133 and 134 pivotally mounted at one end upon a cross rod 135 extending between plates 60 and'61 and terminating and joined at the opposite ends by a curved plate portion 136 disposed between cradle members 56 and 57. A second curved cross member 137 is disposed between cradle members 56- and 57 and is provided with arms 138 and 139 extending through slots in members .56 and 57, respectively, and pivotally mounted upon the respective ends of rod 140 extending betweenplates 60 and 61. Pivotally mounted centrally of member 137 is a link141 pro-- vided with a slot 142 havin sliding engagement with cross bar 143 w ich extends between arms 133 and 134. Mounted within brackets 54' and 5 5 are curved rods 144 and 145, respectively, adjustably secured to the respective brackets by nuts 146 and provided with rollers 147 and 148 which are adapted to engage arms 138 and 139, respectively. When the reversing cradle is in can receiving position as shown in Fig. 8, members 136 and 137 drop by gravity to a position in the same curved plane as members 56 and 57, but as cradle 52 approaches the end of its delivering rotation, arms 138 and 139 contact with rollers 147, and 148 causing-'memher 137- to' be shifted outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 7 and the connection through slotted link 142 causes arms'133 and 134 to swing upon pivot135 bringing membei 136 outwardly to the position shown in I Fig. 7. This operation takes place -comparatively rapidly at the conclusion of-the delivering rotation'of cradle 52 causing positive ejectment of the can from the eradle on to platform 109, thus insuring that the can will be in position to receive the cover which has already been released by engagement of projection 102 with shoe 99, and also preventing the can from remaining in the cradle and being carried back through the return rotation as sometimes happened.

in previous constructions.

I Numerous phases of the operationhave been stated 1n the foregoing description for the purpose of clarity, but inamplification,

the cans and covers are simultaneously advanced upon tracks'18, 19 and20 by means of trip pawls or fingers 30 and 37. Racks tact with stop plate 96 as shown in Fig. 6,

and as cradle 52 is rocked to the can delivering position shown in Fig. 7, projection 102 v engages shoe 99 which releases the cover and simultaneously with delivery of the can the cover slides by gravity upon chute 104, to

the applied position shown in Fig. 7.

In this operation, pivoted plate 107 engages the top of the cover and serves to retard the speed of descent as well as cooperate with chute104 in guiding the cover in position upon the can. During this delivering and can reversing rotation of cradle 52, chains -78 and 79 have been actuated through rack 52 to elevate the next succeeding cover which remains in the position shown in Fig. 6 until the next following engagement during the can delivering rotation of projection 102 with shoe 99. Can detaining arms 128 and 129 engage the forward side of the can and hold it in position until the cover has been applied and during the empty reverse rotation of cradle 52 can discharge arms 130 and 131 engage the rear side of the can and shift it from the delivery platform 109 on to conveyor rolls. During the next succeeding can delivering rotation of cradle 52, can detaining arms 128 and 129 are brought to the position shown in Fig. 2. Obviously it is not essential that reciprocating bars be/ employed, inasmuch as the results of the invent1on may be realized by the employment of tion, and similarly, other means may be adopted for actuation of the can reversing and cover elevating mechanism.

While we have illustrated and described the preferred form of construction for carrying our invention into effect, this is capable of variation and modification without departing from the spirit of the invention. We, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of such variations and modifications as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, what other means of imparting intermittent mo- 7 we claim and wish to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a can washmg machine, means for advancing cans'and covers therethrough, a

can reversing cradle adapted to engageand reverse successive cans from inverted to upright position; and vertically reciprocating means for successively elevating covers in Cal position for application to' successively reversed cans, said reversing cradle and covering elevating means being operatively connected to the Washing machine mechanism, substantially as described.

2. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a series of transverse rods disposed circularly about the pivot point as a center; a rack provided with teeth adapted to engage said rods; and vertically reciprocating means" for successively elevating covers inposition for application to successively reversedcans, substantially as described. i

3. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a series of transverse rods disposed circularly about the pivot point as a center, a rack provided with teeth adapted to engage said rods; vertically reciprocating means for successively elevating covers in position for application to successively reversed cans; and a second rack adapted to actuate said cover elevating means, substantially as described.

4. The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machine of means for advancing cans and covers therethrough, a can reversing cradle adapted to engage and reverse successive cans from inverted to upright position; vertically reciprocating means for successively elevating coversrin position for application to successively reversed cans; and means for discharging a can and cover following acan' reversing and cover applying operation, substantially as described.

5. The combination inoperative engagement with a can washing machine of means for advancing cans and covers therethrough, a can reversing cradle adapted to engage and reverse successive cans from inverted to upright position; vertically reciprocating means for successively elevating covers in position for application to successively reversed cans; means for ejecting a can from the reversing cradle upon completion of the can reversing-operation; and means for discharging a can and cover following a can reversing and cover applying operation, substantially as described.

6. The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machine provided with can and cover supporting rails and reciprocatory bars having means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; and reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism, substantially as described.

7. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; and means for actuating said can reversing cradle and said cover elevating mechanism, substantially as described. '8. In means adapted to a can washing machine, advance cans and covers through the machine, a pivotally mounted can re versing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a reciprocatory rack operatively connected to the washing machine mechanism and adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; and means operatively' connected to the washing machine mechanism for actuating. said cover elevating mechanism, substantially as described.

9. In a can washing machine, means adapted to advance cans and covers through the machine, a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circular ly disposed rods; a reciprocatory rack operatively connected to the washing machine mechanism and adapted to engage said reversing 'cradle rods; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; and a second reciprocatory rack operatively connected to the washing machine mechanism for actuating said cover elevating mechanism, substantially as described.

10. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing crade provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a reciprocatory rack adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; a reciprocating chain adapted to elevate covers for application to suecessive cans following each reversing operation; and a second rack adapted to reciprocate in unison with said first mentioned rack for actuating said reciprocating chain,

substantially as described.

11. The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machine provided with can and cover supporting rails and reciprocatory bars having means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of

a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle;

reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism;

' mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a reciprocatory rack adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; means for actuating said cover elevating mechanism; and a' cover chute adapted to apply covers in position on for actuating said cover elevating mechanism; and a cover chute adapted to apply covers in position on successive cans, substantially as described.

15. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted.

can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a recipro- -catory rack adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; a reciprocating chain adapted to elevate covers for application to successive cans following each reversing operation; a second rack adapted to reciprocate in unison with said first mentioned. rack for actuatingsaid reciprocating chain; and a cover' chute adapted to apply covers in position on successive cans, substantially as described.

16. The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machine provided with means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a cover chute; and a pivotally mounted cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute in applying covers in position on successive cans, substantially as described.

17 Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotallymounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a reciprocatory rack adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; means'for actuating said'cover elevating mechanism; a cover chute; and a pivotally mounted cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute inapplying covers in position on. successive cans, substantially as described. 18. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a reciprocatory rack adapted to engagefsaid reversing cradle rods; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a second reciprocatory rack for actuating said cover elevating mechanism; a

' pivotally mounted cover chute; and a cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute in applying covers in position on successive cans, substantially as described.

19. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; ,a reciproca- 20. The combination in operativeengagement with a can washing machine provided with means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a cover chute adapted to apply covers in position on successive cans; an inclined. cover platform, adapted to receive a cover following each elevating eration; and a cover stop plate adjacent lower edge of said inclined platform adapted to be raised out of engagement with a cover during each can reversing operation of said can reversing cradle, substantially as described.

21. The combination in operative engagement with a-can washingmachine of means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a cover chute; a pivotally mounted cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute in applying covers in position on successive cans; an inclined cover platform; adapted to receive a cover following each elevating operation; and a cover stop plate adjacent the lower edge of said inclined platform adapted to be raised out of engagement with a cover during each can reversing operation of said can reversing cradle, substantially as described'.'---.

22. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising apivotally mounted elevating mechanism; a cover chute; a pivot- I ally mountedcover detaining plate adapted to cooperate withsaid cover chute in applying covers in'position on successive cans; an inclined cover platform, adapted to receive a cover following each elevating operation; and a cover stop plate adjacent the lower edge of said inclined platform adapted to be raised out of engagement with a cover durmg each can reversing operation of said can reversing cradle, substantially as described.

23. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a recipro- 'catory rack adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a second reciprocatory rack for actuating saidcover elevating mechanism; a cover chute; a pivotally mounted cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute in applying covers in position on successive cans; an inclined cover platform, adapted to receive a cover following each elevating operation; and a cover stop plate adjacent the lower edge of said inclined platform adapted to be' raised out of engagement with a cover during each can reversing operation of said can reversing cradle, substantially as described.

24. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a reciprocatory rack adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; a reciprocating chain adapted to elevate covers for application to successive cans following each reversing operation; a second rack adapted to reciprocate in unison with said first mentioned rack for actuating said.reciproca ting chain; a cover chute; a cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute in applying covers in position on successive cans; an inclined cover platform adapted to receive a cover following each elevating operation; and a cover stop plate adjacent theolower edge of said inclined platform adapted to be raised out of engagement with a cover during each can reversing operation of said can reversingcradle, substantially as described. v

25. Can delivering and cover applying mechanism, comprising a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle provided with a plurality of circularly disposed rods; a recip rocatory rack adapted to engage said reversing cradle rods; a reciprocating chain adapted to elevate covers for application to successive cans following each reversing operation; a second rack adapted to reciprocate in unison with said first mentioned rack for actuating said reciprocating chain; a can delivery platform; means for detaining a can in position on said can delivery platform preceding a cover applying operation; a cover chute adapted to apply covers in position on successive cans; and

means for discharging a can from said can delivery platform during each empty reverse rotation of said can reversing cradle; substantially as described.

26., The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machine provided with means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a cover chute; a pivotally mounted cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute in applying covers in position on successive cans;

acan delivery platform; means for detaining a can in position on said can delivery platform preceding a cover applying operation; and means for discharging a can'from said can delivery platform during each empty reverse rotation of 'said can reversing cradle, substantially as described. v

27. The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machlne provided with means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a cover chute adapted to apply covers in position'on successive cans; -an inclined cover platform, adapted to receive a cover following each elevating operation; a cover stop plate adjacent the lower edge of said inclined platform adapted to be raised out of engagement with a cover during each can reversing operation of said can reversing cradle; a can delivery platform; means for detaining a can in position on said can delivery platform preceding a cover applying operation; and means for discharging a can from said can delivery platform during each empty reverse rotation of said can reversing cradle, substantially as described.

'28. The combination in operative engagement with acan washing machine provided with means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover to elevate covers for application to successive cans following each reversing operatlon; a second rack adapted to reciprocate in unison with said first-mentioned rack.

for actuating said reciprocating chain; and means for ejecting a can from the can reversing'cradle upon completion of each can reversing operation, substantially as described. i V

. 30. The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machine provided with means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of, a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reciprocatory cover "elevating mechanism; a cover chute; a piv-' otally mounted cover detaining plate adapted to cooperate with said cover chute in applying covers in position on successive'cans; 1 'andmeans for ejecting a can from the can reversing cradle upon completion of each 10 can reversing operation, substantially as described. 31. The combination in operative engagement with a can washing machine provided with means for advancing cans and covers through the machine, of a pivotally mounted can reversing cradle; reoiprocatory cover elevating mechanism; a cover chute adapted to apply covers in position on successive cans; an inclined cover platform, adapted to receive a cover following each elevating operation; a cover stop plate adjacent the lower edge of said inclined platform adapted to be raised out of engagement with a cover during each can reversing operation of said can reversing cradle; and means for ejecting a can from the can reversing cradle upon completion of each can reversing operation, substantially as described. In testimony whereof we have signed our 7 names to this specification.

7 I HARRY D. LATHROP. I

WALTER H. PAULSON. 

